Numbers show Sixers nearly unbeatable when thriving defensively

Numbers show Sixers nearly unbeatable when thriving defensively

The Philadelphia 76ers claimed their first road victory of the year against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. Along with clearing that hurdle, the Sixers also held their opponent’s field goal percentage under 40 percent for the fourth time this season.

Philly’s stout defense is worth noting. Going back to last season, they possess a sterling 8-0 record when limiting opponents to 40 percent shooting or worse from the field (via Sixers Stats).

The @sixers have now won eight straight games when holding opponents to 40 percent-or-less shooting from the field, including three such wins this season.

The Pacers, Pistons, Hawks, and Hornets have all endured rough shooting nights when facing the Sixers defense this season. In those four victories for Philly, only Charlotte and Indiana managed to avoid double-digit defeats.

The Sixers own a defensive rating of 105.4, which is currently the eighth-best in the NBA. The group, led by a First-Team All-Defensive player in Robert Covington, is holding opponents to a field goal percentage of 43.3.